05 Jan 2019 | 09:17 PM UTC
Philippines: Abu Sayyaf frees hostage in Sulu province December 30
Abu Sayyaf militant group frees Filipino hostage in Sulu province on December 30, according to reports on January 3; kidnapping occurred in Zamboanga del Norte province in September 2017
Event
Abu Sayyaf militants freed a Filipino hostage on December 30, 2018, according to reports on Thursday, January 3. The hostage, who was released in Sulu province, was reportedly kidnapped in September 2017 in Zamboanga del Norte province.
Context
Abu Sayyaf militants are suspected of holding three foreign and two Filipino hostages in Sulu province. The release came as President Rodrigo Duterte activated a new army infantry division to defeat Abu Sayyaf after nearly two decades of unsuccessful attempts.
Abu Sayyaf's criminal and terrorist activities include kidnappings, bombings, and beheadings in western Mindanao. Its main theaters of activity are the island provinces of Basilan and Sulu.
Advice
As a reminder, authorities advise against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago due to the risk of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups. Individuals are advised to adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.
